Definitions
Universal Design
Design of spaces, services or products that:
- allow all people to have equal access
- no matter what their social class, ethnicity, age, background or ability.
Accessible Design
Design of spaces, services or products that:
- allow all people to have equal access
- can be independently used by people with a variety of abilities/disabilities
Sustainable Design
Design of spaces, services or products that:
- focuses on reducing negative impacts on the environment
- focuses on the health and well-being of users
- reduces consumption of non-rewable resources
- minimizes waste
Empathy
The ability to feel what other people are feeling and to see things from their perspective.
Video: Mark Ruffalo explains empathy with the help of Sesame Street.
Articles and Websites to Explore
What is the difference between accessible, usable, and universal design? from Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
Universal design (also referred to as aging-in-place design) has recently become a common consideration in kitchen remodeling – and for good reason.
Book Lists
Empathy: Novels that explore characters with differing abilities
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